Netball
19 May, 2024
Minyip Murtoa win second consecutive match
Minyip Murtoa is starting to find their groove, winning their second consecutive match, a 15-goal win over the Southern Mallee Thunder at Minyip Recreation Reserve in round five of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
In a tight first quarter, the Burras led by two at quarter time. They extended that margin to five at halftime in a tough battle.
The Burras started to move away in the third quarter, extending the lead to nine and eventually running out 54-39 winners.
Kirby Knight led the way with 30 goals for the Burras with Claire Mackay scoring 24 after stepping up from B-grade. Lauren Dodgshun and Matilda Griffiths were instrumental down back for the Burras.
Coach Kirby Knight said that was the best they played as a team.
"We were able to settle the ball a lot quicker and find combinations better," Knight said.
"We still made quite a few changes yesterday when we were playing to find out what worked and it goes to show you never can line up the same team every game.
"We are lucky that we have a versatile team and lucky to work together at moments."
Knight said everyone played their role and that it's great players can step up and perform.
"Our defensive unit is starting to gel and the things we have been working on at training, we are now able to implement into the game," Knight said.
"Our defence was good and made it hard for the Thunder forwards to get a rhythm going. It was good to see Clair Mackay step up from B-grade and shoot well. She led all day, was accurate and never stopped presenting.
"Running with an A and B squad, it allows those players that haven't had an opportunity yet to step up and it's still early in the season so we are still shuffling things around but it's good to see players step up when given the opportunity."
For the Thunder, Codie Robins was great through the midcourt with Sydney Thorogood great up forward, scoring 15 goals. Steph Thomson also scored 24 goals.
Abby Hallam shines in Demons win
Thirty-six goals to Abby Hallam and 22 to Jorja Clode with Taya Quick chipping in with 17 has led the Horsham Saints to a massive 38-goal win over Ararat at Coughlin Park.
The Saints led by 13 goals at quarter time and put the game to bed in the second with a 24-goal to eight quarter to lead by 29 goals at halftime. It was a formality in the last half, running out 75-37 winners.
Maddison Bethune again was massive for the Demons down back.
Despite the win, coach Jess Cannane said they haven't hit their straps yet.
"The main focus at training the last couple of weeks is about what we can control as a team and getting the most out of each game," Cannane said.
"It's about us setting a target and making sure we can get prepared the best way we can. Yesterday provided a few different combinations in our attacking ends.
"Having Taya Quick come up into the mix with Jorja Clode being on reserve due to playing for Bendigo is a good sign that we can rely on other players."
Cannane said she was happy to see Abby Hallam come back into her groove.
"She is going from strength to strength every week and it's good to see. She is starting to find that groove and it only makes her stronger moving forward," Cannane said.
For Ararat, Laney McCloughlan led the way with 20 goals.
Nicole Polycarpou has day out for Dimboola
At the Dimboola Recreation Reserve, fifty-two goals to Nicole Polycarpou have helped Dimboola bounce back with a comfortable 38-goal win over the Warrack Eagles.
They held the Eagles to two goals in the first quarter whilst piling on 14 to lead handsomely at quarter time. A further 18 goals saw the margin extend to 18 at halftime.
The Eagles could only manage 13 goals in the second half as Dimboola ran out 65-27 winners.
Olivia Beugelaar was massive in defence with Maddison Marra great through the centre for the Roos.
For the Eagles, Isabella Orszulak scored 17 goals with Leiah McKenzie and Ava Koschitzke their best players.
Demons with another solid victory
Thirty-four points to Georgia Batson and 33 to Imogen Worthy have led Horsham to a massive 44-goal victory over Nhill at Davis Park.
The Demons go out to an 11-goal lead at quarter time, extending that margin each quarter to run out 74-30 winners.
Georgie Carberry was outstanding on the midcourt for Horsham with Keely Pope brilliant in defence.
For Nhill, Ellen Bennett was great all day with Ashleigh Batson also solid.